Thursday 18th September 2025, 12:00am

Continuing Marple and Poirot

Lucy Foley and Sophie Hannah, Interviewed by David Brawn

In March, it was announced that Lucy Foley will be writing a new Miss Marple novel. After the success of the 2022 Marple book, with twelve new short stories by twelve bestselling female authors, this is very exciting news for Christie fans. Lucy will be interviewed alongside Sophie Hannah, author of the bestselling Poirot continuation novels. Both authors will be talking to publishing director for the Christie estate at Harper Collins, David Brawn, about continuing Agatha Christie’s two iconic detectives.

Lucy Foley is a No.1 Sunday Times, New York Times and Irish Times bestselling author. It was recently announced that her full-length Miss Marple continuation novel will be published in autumn 2026, the 50th anniversary of the publication of Christie’s last Marple, Sleeping Murder. Her other novels, including contemporary murder mystery thrillers, The Hunting Party, The Guest List and The Paris Apartment have sold over 5 million copies worldwide. The Guest List was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, a Reese’s Book Club pick, one of The Times and Sunday Times Crime Books of the Year, and it won the Goodreads Choice Award for best mystery/thriller. Lucy’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and her latest novel is The Midnight Feast.

Sophie Hannah’s books are published in 51 countries and have sold millions of copies worldwide. She has written six new Hercule Poirot novels, the latest of which, The Last Death of the Year, will be published in October, but with advanced copies exclusively available at the Festival. Sophie’s murder mystery musical movie, The Mystery of Mr E, is all about a famous writer’s legacy, superfans and secrets, and is available now on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Venue: Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey

Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking within the grounds for disabled visitors. Entry to the Spanish Barn is relatively level, but there are a few cobble stones to cross, before entering the completely flat interior. We have space for wheelchairs, although if you let us know in advance, we can ensure that there is ample dedicated space for the number of wheelchair users. We have again raised the height of the main stage this year, so that guest speakers can easily be seen and have a hearing loop in the front half of the Barn nearest the stage. We also have two TV screens midway down the barn screening what is happening on the stage. There is a disabled toilet available to the rear of the Spanish Barn.

If you have any particular access requirements or enquiries, do please get in touch and we will do whatever we feasibly can to accommodate you. Please email admin@iacf-uk.org

Getting there

Getting to the venue

The Spanish Barn is in the grounds of Torre Abbey. This is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station.

Parking

There is no parking in the grounds of Torre Abbey except for disabled parking. The nearest car park is Torre Valley - Torbay Council. This is a five-minute walk from the Spanish Barn.

Toilets

Toilets are available to the rear of the Spanish Barn for the duration of the Literary Festival.

Inside the Spanish Barn

Whilst we have no evening events in the Spanish Barn this year, it can get cold so please dress with this in mind.

Food and Drink

The cafe at Torre Abbey is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am till 4pm and is dog friendly.

A short 10-minute walk away from the Spanish Barn are a variety of cafes, bars and takeaways.

Dogs

Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are not allowed in the Spanish Barn.

If you have any further questions, please email admin@iacf-uk.org

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